In London trading, FTSE 100 index slid 0.3% or 20.5 to 6,396 and in Frankfurt the DAX index dropped 1.2% to 93.6 to 7,778.

In Paris, CAC 40 index slumped 0.8% or 31.4 to 3,744.

Aggreko Plc gained 2.55 to 1,805 pence after the UK based power and temperature control solution provider reported first quarter group revenues climbed 8% in the three months to March. Local business grew “very strong start to the year” with 17% more power on rent from a year ago. Net debt increased by £4 million to £597 million in the three months to March 31.

Breedon Aggregates Limited climbed 7.6% to 24.49 pence after the UK based construction raw materials provider agreed to acquire certain assets from landscaping specialist Marshalls Plc for consideration of £17.5 million in cash.

CPPGroup Plc slipped 1.9% to 4.40 pence after the UK based business service provider reported lenders agreed to a one week extension of credit facility to April 19.

A credit card insurer fined £10.5 million for mis-selling insurance.

D.E Master Blenders 1753 NV fell 0.7% to €12.14 after the Netherlands based tea and coffee industry said investor group led by Joh. A. Benckiser agreed to buy the company for approx €7.5 billion or $9.8 billion in cash per ordinary share.

The offer price of €12.50 a share represents a 36% premium to company’s volume-weighted average closing price for the three months to March 27. The stock edged lower today because the potential deal was announced on March 28 with the price of €12.75 a share.

Benckiser is funding the deal with €4.9 billion of equity and €3 billion of debt.

Mothercare plc rose 0.9% to 318.50 pence after the UK based wholesaler said worldwide network sales in the fourth quarter jumped 6.9% and total group sales dropped 4.8%. Total UK sales declined 5.1% and international retail sales surged 15.5%.